Freezing Surplus Holiday Treats

If your family is like my family, you are receiving many delicious treats for the holidays from friends and neighbors. You might feel a bit overwhelmed by the number of cookies, candy, crackers, dips, etc. that are coming in your door. Don't fear! I'm going to give you a few ideas to help you use what you receive, and not let anything go to waste.

In the picture I have here, there are caramels, cookies, mustard, beef salami, olives, 3 different types of crackers, etc. Here is what I'm going to do with some of the items:

1. Crackers: If they are still in an airtight bag, you can freeze them. Just pop the bag into the freezer, and when you pull them out, they will be as fresh as the day you put them in. I am going to put them in a ziploc bag, crush them with a rolling pin, and put them into a freezer bag and use them as a crumb topping on a casserole.


2. Cookies: Cookies do very well frozen also. You can also put cookies into a ziploc bag and crush them. Use the crushed cookies in shakes, when making a pie crust instead of the graham crackers or to top pudding.


3. Candy: Chop up the candy and mix into ice cream. This is why you pay the big bucks at Cold Stone, and other ice cream shops. You can also make a cookie dough, put teaspoonfuls into greased mini muffin tins and bake at 350* F for 12-15 minutes. Take out of oven and immediately push a piece of candy into each cookie. Let cool, then ease out of the tin.


4. Nuts: put into ziploc bags and into the refrigerator until ready to use.

I am not sure if I am going to use my beef salami or donate it. I will use the olives and mustard for sure.

Did you receive a food item that you are not sure how to use? Post a comment and I'll try and help you out!